Villa de Leyva Travel Guide: Top Things to Do, Eat & See
June 21st, 2025 | by E.M.H | Posted in Featured, Tourism
Step into Villa de Leyva, and you’ll feel like you’ve crossed a threshold in time.
This serene colonial town in the Colombian Andes is one of the country’s most beloved destinations for both locals and savvy travelers who prefer cobblestones to skyscrapers and charm over large crowds.
With its whitewashed buildings, massive stone plaza, and mountain backdrops, Villa de Leyva offers history, nature, food, and slow-paced wonder all at once.
Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, a cultural escape, or a solo retreat, this Villa de Leyva travel guide will walk you through everything you need to know from getting there, to the best places to stay, eat, and explore.
Where Is Villa de Leyva?
Villa de Leyva is located in the Boyacá department, about 160 kilometers (100 miles) northeast of Bogotá. The town sits at an elevation of 2,144 meters (7,034 ft), giving it a spring-like climate year-round.
It’s part of the Colombian Andes, but unlike Medellín or Manizales, the vibe here is peaceful, provincial, and wonderfully preserved.
How to Get to Villa de Leyva
Getting here is half the fun, and fairly simple.
- By car: 3.5 hours (via Tunja or Chiquinquirá)
- By bus: From Terminal de Transporte de Bogotá, buses run regularly to Tunja or Villa de Leyva directly.
- By private transfer: Ideal for groups or travelers who want comfort over cost.
Tip: If you’re already exploring the Coffee Triangle, consider a longer route through Boyacá to see the Andes from another angle. You can connect this route with our Pereira guide for a deeper Andean experience.
Where to Stay in Villa de Leyva
Accommodations range from colonial guesthouses to eco-retreats. Here are a few standout options:
- Hotel Casa Terra: A boutique stay with lush gardens, just minutes from the plaza.
- Selina Villa de Leyva: Great for remote workers and digital nomads looking to mix comfort with community.
- Hospedería Duruelo: Offers an on-site spa, gardens, and panoramic views of the valley.
Booking tip: Visit midweek for better rates and fewer crowds.
What to Do in Villa de Leyva
There’s no shortage of slow-paced magic here. From museums to mountains, here’s where to start:
- Explore Plaza Mayor: Latin America’s largest cobbled plaza.
- Visit Casa Museo Antonio Nariño: Learn about Colombia’s revolutionary past.
- Wander the Artisan Shops: Local ceramics, woven textiles, and fossil jewelry.
- Hike to the Mirador El Santo: Gorgeous sunset views over the valley.
Natural & Cultural Highlights
Villa de Leyva quietly rests on ancient terrain filled with fossils, sacred sites, and natural oddities, all just minutes from town.
- Museo El Fósil: Home to a nearly complete Kronosaurus skeleton, discovered locally and housed right where it was found.
- Pozos Azules: Striking turquoise ponds in a semi-desert landscape, ideal for photos and a peaceful walk.
- El Infiernito: An ancient Muisca ceremonial site with stone monoliths aligned to astronomical events (Colombia’s own Stonehenge).
All are accessible by bike, tuk-tuk, or foot, and best explored with a guide for cultural context. Each site adds a new layer to Villa de Leyva’s unexpected depth.
What to Eat and Drink
The food scene is humble but delicious. Here are some must-try items:
- Ajiaco Boyacense: A hearty local soup with squash, corn, and potato.
- Arepa Boyacense: Slightly sweet and cheesy, perfect snack food.
- Changua: Traditional breakfast soup with milk, egg, and cilantro.
Bonus: Visit Museo del Chocolate
Nestled in the heart of town, this boutique chocolatería and museum (est. 2013) explores Colombia’s cocoa culture through tastings, workshops, and whimsical décor. Sip rich hot chocolate or sample the famous “chocolate beer. Reviews are mixed, some guests love the experience and ambiance; others find it pricey, so treat it as a fun treat, not a must-see.
For a gourmet night out, try Mercado Municipal, a farm-to-table restaurant known for wood-fired meats and local wine.
Want more local food ideas? Visit our Food Guides for regional dishes and street eats.
Events and Festivals
Villa de Leyva shines year-round, but especially during its unique festivals:
- Festival de Luces (December): A Christmas light show across the entire plaza.
- Astronomy Festival (February): Telescopes, lectures, and star parties.
- Festival del Viento y las Cometas (August): Epic kite displays on the plaza.
Thanks to its altitude and low light pollution, Villa de Leyva is also one of Colombia’s best places for stargazing.
Sample 2-Day Itinerary
Here’s how to make the most of a quick visit:
- Day 1: Arrive midday, check in; visit Plaza Mayor and artisan shops; sunset at Mirador El Santo; dinner at Mercado Municipal
- Day 2: Breakfast & coffee; tour Museo El Fósil or hike near Pozos Azules; lunch, then depart
Looking for similar getaways? You might enjoy Filandia, another charming town off the tourist trail.
Responsible Travel Tips
Help keep Villa de Leyva beautiful for the next generation:
- Avoid plastic bottles, use a refillable one
- Stay on trails at fossil or nature sites
- Support small businesses and artisans
- Don’t touch or remove fossils
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Final Thoughts
Villa de Leyva isn’t just a postcard-perfect town, it’s a living, breathing window into Colombia’s past and present. With its warm people, endless charm, and timeless appeal, it’s easy to understand why this destination captures the hearts of everyone who visits.
Whether you’re here for fossils, festivals, or just a quiet corner of beauty, Villa de Leyva will offer more than you expect.
Tags: ColombiaFeaturedHistoryTourismTravel
E.M.H
